Collapsible Package and Method

ABSTRACT

A package having one or more collapsible regions or portions is provided. A distinct crease, fold line, material section or separate material can be included with a portion of the package to facilitate collapsibility of a portion of a relatively large package onto or over itself to permit easier access to the interior contents while still allowing for operable use of any access device (e.g., zipper device) provided with the package.

PRIORITY

This Application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/325,152, filed Apr. 16, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to flexible packaging and, more particularly, to flexible packaging adapted for selective collapsibility.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional flexible packaging configured to hold, transport and dispense relatively heavy or large contents, e.g., pet food, lawn and garden products, etc., are plagued with inherent design and use problems. In general, there are two basic types of package users: those that pour the contents from the package and those that scoop or retrieve contents from the package. Both are presented with difficulties in using larger packages as described above. Namely, large packages can be heavy and cumbersome to pour from, and these packages can make it difficult to scoop internal contents when the contents of the package are significantly used up or absent, e.g., requiring contact with undesirable residue on the interior walls of the package, difficulty with the manipulation of a partially-empty package, etc. Further, these relatively large packages can be equipped with access devices such as re-closeable zippers and folding the top of the package over to more easily access the interior contents only serves to cover the access device and render it inoperable.

As a result, there is a need for a flexible package that substantially solves the above-referenced problems with conventional package designs, configurations, and manufacturing methods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention solves many of the problems that plague conventional flexible packages and packaging methods. Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a package or pouch generally constructed of a flexible polymer material or film laminate. A distinct crease, fold line, material section or separate material can be included with the package to facilitate folding or collapsibility of a portion of a relatively large package onto itself to permit easier access to the interior content. The package can include at least a first or front panel portion, a second or back panel portion, and an access device, such as a re-closeable access device (e.g., zipper device). In other embodiments, the package can further include first and second side panel portions and/or a bottom panel portions (e.g., stand-up pouch configuration).

The first and second panel portions can include a first end portion (e.g., top portion), a second end portion (e.g., bottom portion), and an intermediate portion between the first and second end portions. The access device can be provided along at least a portion of the first and/or second panel portions. The intermediate or collapsible portions, or a portion thereof, can be constructed or configured to permit collapsibility or folding of the first end portion down or otherwise toward or onto the intermediate portion and the second end portion such that the first end portion is essentially pulled down over itself or another portion of the package. In certain embodiments, a plurality of collapsibility portions can be included to provide increased variable telescoping or collapsibility of the package. As such, the overall longitudinal dimension of length of the package is reduced without covering the access device or rendering it inoperable, while simultaneously allowing for selective access to the interior of the package even after the contents are significantly used up or absent.

Even as the collapsible portion of the package is lowered or manipulated, the access device remains unaffected and easily accessible as it remains generally with the exposed first end portions of the first and/or second panel portions. Upon collapsing the top portion of the panels, the access device can still be selectively closed and re-opened in accordance with the needs of the end user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible package in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the package of FIG. 1 partially collapsed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a close-up schematic section view at 3-3 in FIG. 2 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a collapsible package with material contents in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the package of FIG. 4 with measurable amounts of contents used or missing in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a is a perspective view of the package of FIG. 5 at least partially collapsed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a collapsible package in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the package of FIG. 7 partially collapsed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the package of FIG. 7 substantially collapsed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a collapsible package in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the package of FIG. 10 at least partially collapsed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For illustrative purposes, hatching or shading in the figures is provided to demonstrate sealed portions, integrated devices, and/or distinct materials or portions for the package. In addition, the size and proportions of film or package portions may be exaggerated with respect to the surrounding material and films to improve visual depictions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-11, a flexible package 10 in accordance with the present invention, and the steps for using the flexible package 10, are shown. The package 10 generally includes a first or front panel portion 12 and a second or back panel portion 14 configured to define a package interior 9 adapted to hold contents, material or product 11. The package 10 can further include a bottom panel portion 16 and one or more side panel portions 18. Panel portions 12-18 can be joined to form or define an inner cavity 9 of the main package 10 for holding, transporting or otherwise containing material contents. In various embodiments, the package 10 can be adapted for holding, transporting and dispensing relatively large contents such as pet food, lawn and garden products, and the like.

Each of the panel portions can include internal sealant surfaces. The joining of the front and back panels 12, 14 can create corresponding side or seal edges and top and bottom seals. Alternatively, the panels can be formed of a single web material and folded or formed to define the distinct panel portions. The cross-hatching in the figures is generally used to denote sealing and/or panel edges, folds or distinct materials or panel portions or transitions.

The package panel portions are generally constructed of flexible sheet material such as polyethylene, polyester, metal foil, polypropylene, or polyethylenes or polypropylenes laminated with other materials such as nylon, polyester, and like films. To provide for higher barriers, embodiments can use combination layers of said materials and material of the like. In addition, various panel portions can be constructed of, or incorporated with, materials that provide preferred sealing characteristics. One skilled in the art will understand that a myriad of materials and material laminates are available for selective use for the sealant surfaces to facilitate the bonding attachment described herein. In one embodiment, at least one of the sealant surfaces will comprise “contaminants” that permit a varying level of bonding, wherein the level of bondable attachment depends on the heat applied from a corresponding heat sealing bar or other device. Higher temperatures will create “destructive” (e.g., generally permanent) bonds while lower temperatures will create a more temporary bond for selective disengagement. Seal pressures and dwells can also affect the bond level.

As demonstrated in FIGS. 1-6, the front and back panels 12, 14 each include a first or top end portion 20, a second or bottom end portion 22, and an intermediate or collapsible portion 24 therebetween. The portions 20-24 can take on a variety of configurations to facilitate collapsibility of a portion of the package, such as the intermediate portion 24, down or over itself to shorten or reduce the overall or original longitudinal length L of the package 10 to a selectively reduced length L_(reduced). An access device 30, such as a re-closeable zipper device, can be included at or proximate an edge of the first or top end portions 20 of the front and back panels 12, 14 to enable selective opening and closing of the package opening. One skilled in the art will understand that the access device 30 can be provided nearly anywhere on the package, and especially proximate an edge or opening of the package. Various portions of the package can be constructed of varying widths, the transverse distance between the longitudinal edges of the package 10. Further, more than one collapsible portion 24 can be included to provide variable telescoping or collapsibility of the package.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, a crease, fold or other structural construct 24 a can be included with the intermediate portion 24 to facilitate the disclosed collapsibility. This crease or fold line allows the user to collapse the top portion 20 of the package down such that the overall length L can be disposed to the desired length L_(reduced). While this collapsibility can be achieved with a fold line or crease, other embodiments may include a rigid or semi-rigid member or band at or proximate the intermediate portion 24 such that the top portion 20 of the package 10 can fold about or over the member to permit the disclosed collapsibility. The construct 24 a or intermediate portion 24 can be integrally formed or separately attached with the package panel portion. A top seal or other portion of the package can be removed with any of the embodiments (e.g., notches, scores, perforations, laser scores, tear regions, etc.) to facilitate access to the interior or access device 30 of the package (FIGS. 4-6).

The general use of such a package 10 is illustrated in FIGS. 4-6. The opened package 10 is shown in FIG. 4 generally full of contents 11, while the package 10 of FIG. 5 is shown with a measurable amount of contents 11 used or otherwise absent from the package 10. At the point when the contents 11 of the package 10 are reduced, the end user can selectively collapse the package about the intermediate portion 24 to bring the top edge of the top portion 20 generally to or proximate the level of the contents 11, making it easier for the user to manipulate the package, or scoop or pour the contents 11 from the package 10.

As with any of the embodiments, the overall longitudinal dimension of length of the package is reduced without covering the access device 30 or rendering it inoperable, while simultaneously allowing for selective access to the interior of the package even after the contents are significantly used up or absent. Even as the collapsible portion of the package is lowered or manipulated, the access device remains unaffected and easily accessible as it remains generally with the exposed first end portions of the first and/or second panel portions. Upon collapsing the top portion of the panels, the access device 30 can still be selectively closed and re-opened in accordance with the needs of the end user.

As shown in FIGS. 7-9, embodiments of the package 10 can include a predefined intermediate portion 24 adapted for collapsibility. For instance, the intermediate portion can include a material portion formed (e.g., creased, thermoformed, etc.) of one or more constructs 24 a such that it collapses upon itself in an accordion-like manner to selectively collapse the package in accordance with the needs of the user and the level of contents 11 within the package 10. The intermediate portion 24 in such an embodiment can be constructed of or defined within the material of the panels 12-18, or can be constructed of a material different or distinct from the other panel materials. A variety of crease or formed segment shapes, sizes and segment numbers can be provided to achieve the desired collapsibility. As with other embodiments, the intermediate portion 24 of this embodiment can include rigid or semi-rigid members or bands as the constructs 24 a to further facilitate collapsibility and collapsibility control. FIG. 9 shows the package 10 substantially fully collapsed.

The embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11 can include a top and bottom portion 20, 22 constructed of a generally rigid, semi-rigid or corrugated material. In such an embodiment, the top portion 20 can be measurably wider (e.g., distance between longitudinal edges) or longer than the bottom portion 22 such that the top portion 20 can collapse down on or over the bottom portion 22. A relatively flexible intermediate material 24 can be attached or otherwise provided to connect the top and bottom portions 20, 22 of the package 10 to facilitate collapsibility. Various embodiments of the package 10 can include one or more collapsible portions 24 to provide increased and variable telescoping functionality. To provide an access device 30 to such an embodiment, a flexible band or material can be included at the portion of the package (e.g., top portion 20) to facilitate attachment and use of the device with the construct of the package 10.

With the various embodiments of the package 10, easy access to the contents 11 of the package 10 is possible even after the contents begin to lower beyond the original top fill point. At the same time, the user can fully utilize the access device 30 of the package as the collapsibility takes place generally at the intermediate portion 24. The top or other portion of the package having the access device 30 does not need to be folded over itself to reduce the length or dimension of the package 10 to achieve collapsibility.

Again, the collapsibility features or constructs of the intermediate collapsible portion 24 can be provided along or across any portion of the package, e.g., side, top, bottom, etc., and is not limited to the middle or intermediate region of the package 10. In those embodiments including more than one collapsible portion 24, a package material portion (rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible) can be included or spaced between the plurality of collapsible portions 24.

Various handles or handle portions, graphics, closeable and re-closeable devices, gussets, and like features known to one skilled in the art are also envisioned for use with this invention and can be implemented without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention. All references to front, back, top, bottom, and the like are merely for demonstrative purposes and are not intended to limit the variations and positional references and orientations of the panels access devices in the present invention.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is, therefore, desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Similarly, the above-described methods and techniques for forming or using the present invention are illustrative processes and are not intended to limit the methods of manufacturing/forming or using the present invention to those specifically defined herein. A myriad of various unspecified steps and procedures can be performed for or to use the inventive package 10. 

1. A package adapted to contain material contents, comprising: a first panel portion having first and second end portions; a second panel portion having first and second end portions, wherein at least the first and second panel portions define an interior cavity adapted to hold material contents, and the first and second panel portions have an initial panel length; and a collapsibility portion generally narrower than the longitudinal length of and defined in the first and second panel portions such that the first end portions of the first and second panel portions are collapsible about the collapsibility portion to define a reduced panel length for the first and second panel portions.
 2. The package of claim 1, wherein the first and second panel portions are constructed of a generally flexible material.
 3. The package of claim 1, wherein the collapsibility portion includes one or more folds.
 4. The package of claim 3, wherein the one or more folds includes two or more folds adapted to define an accordion-like construct.
 5. The package of claim 1, wherein the collapsibility portion is provided centrally located relative to the longitudinal length of the first and second panel portions.
 6. The package of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second end portions of the first and second panel portions includes an access device.
 7. The package of claim 6, wherein the access device is a re-closeable zipper device.
 8. The package of claim 1, wherein the collapsibility portion includes at least one rigid transverse member adapted to facilitate collapsibility.
 9. The package of claim 1, wherein the collapsibility portion includes at least one generally rigid transverse member adapted to facilitate collapsibility.
 10. The package of claim 1, further including a bottom panel portion to provide a stand-up package configuration.
 11. The package of claim 1, further including at least one side panel portion.
 12. A package adapted to contain material contents, comprising: a first generally rigid panel portion having first and second end portions; a second generally rigid panel portion having first and second end portions, wherein at least the first and second generally rigid panel portions define an interior cavity adapted to hold material contents, and the first and second generally rigid panel portions have an initial panel length; and a generally flexible collapsibility portion generally narrower than the longitudinal length of the first and second generally rigid panel portions such that the first end portions of the first and second generally rigid panel portions are collapsible about the collapsibility portion to define a reduced panel length for the package.
 13. The package of claim 12, wherein the collapsibility portion includes one or more folds.
 14. The package of claim 12, wherein the one or more folds includes two or more folds adapted to define an accordion-like construct.
 15. The package of claim 12, wherein the collapsibility portion is provided centrally located relative to the longitudinal length of the first and second generally rigid panel portions.
 16. The package of claim 12, wherein at least one of the first and second end portions of the first and second generally rigid panel portions includes an access device.
 17. The package of claim 16, wherein the access device is a re-closeable zipper device.
 18. The package of claim 12, wherein the collapsibility portion includes at least one generally rigid transverse member adapted to facilitate collapsibility.
 19. The package of claim 12, further including a bottom panel portion to provide a stand-up package configuration.
 20. The package of claim 12, further including at least one side panel portion. 